5 Treatments for Cystic Acne
Treating acne can be difficult, especially the more severe forms of acne that causes acne cysts, like Acne Vulgaris. One of the main problems with severe cystic acne is that it can cause permanent scarring. Catching the acne in its earlier stages with an effective treatment plan is therefore ideal.
There are various treatments for acne that range from topical creams to antibiotics to surgical incisions for particularly large cysts. We discuss acne cysts and the problems they cause in our article, Acne Cysts: an Overview. Let’s look at the various treatment options that are available for acne.
- Option One: Topical Antibiotics
Most cases of cystic acne should be treated after consultation with a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional. Oftentimes, cystic acne and acne cysts that are treated when the problem first arises are addressed with topical antibiotic treatments like creams, lotions, or gels that are applied directly to the skin’s surface.
There are also topical antibiotics that can be applied to the skin that will help to neutralize bacteria and thereby reduce recurring acne. The most common topical antibiotics are erythromycin and sulfa drugs. By applying this type of acne cyst-fighting medication directly to the cyst, the medicine is more readily absorbed and is more effective.
However, topical treatments, like all acne cyst treatments, are not quick fixes. Acne can take months or even years to heal, and it can be a tough struggle that causes a lot of stress and aggravation.
- Option Two: Oral Antibiotics
Many dermatologists will also prescribe a course of antibiotics to be taken orally alongside of topical creams. Oftentimes, especially in the case of prolonged periods of acne outbreaks, the acne sufferer will be on antibiotics for an extended period and become resistant to the antibiotic. For this reason, many dermatologists switch patients from one antibiotic to the next to avoid making the antibiotics useless.
- Option Three: Benzoyl Peroxide
The traditional treatment for acne can also work on acne cysts – benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strength products. The way that benzoyl peroxide works against cystic acne is by killing the bacteria that causes acne. Benzoyl peroxide may be used alongside other treatments in the fight against acne cysts. Benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation locally; this is especially true in more concentrated strengths like 10% creams and gels.
It was recently discovered (within the past year) that the combination of benzoyl peroxide and the drug adapalene, when coupled together in a gel is effective in treating acne in patients older than 12. The gel is effective not only on facial acne but acne that affects other parts of the body as well.
- Option Four: Surgical Incision of Cysts
When cystic acne becomes extremely severe, it is often suggested that the patient undergo acne surgery. During this procedure, problematic cysts are lanced and drained. This procedure is sometimes referred to as acne surgery. However, patients should avoid “draining” the cysts themselves by squeezing, picking or otherwise irritating the cyst; this can actually result in making things worse.
- Option Five: Home Remedies
There are many home remedies for treating acne cysts – many of them straight from your kitchen cupboard or refrigerator. We discuss home remedy options that are known to work in our article Acne Cyst Home Remedies. From mango paste to apple cider vinegar, many of these “natural” remedies are effective and safe.
